As China transitions from the 14th Five-Year Plan to the 15th, the upcoming National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference will play a pivotal role in charting the nation’s path toward its 2035 vision. China also hopes to share its experiences in advancing new productive forces and carbon reduction while contributing to global governance and engaging in dialogue with the international community.

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Amid increasing global attention, CGTN’s Liu Xin explores real progress in Shihezi and Yiwu County, Xinjiang, in a multi-part series. Through on-the-ground reporting, the series showcases the region’s development while addressing the impact of U.S. sanctions and debunking its “human rights” allegations.

In 2025, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region celebrates its 70th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1955, the region has undergone remarkable transformations driven by advancements in technology, industry, and sustainability. From innovations in agriculture and automation to significant strides in renewable energy, Xinjiang’s growth supports China’s broader goals of digital and green transformation while fostering stronger international partnerships. Its ongoing progress underscores stability and development shaped by strategic governance and long-term planning, unlike what external criticisms or misconceptions claim.

Thriving Under Sanctions

The feature story examines the impact of U.S. sanctions on the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). The XPCC embodies the tradition of military reclamation, combining defense with development. Established in the 1950s, it administers numerous cities in Xinjiang, including Shihezi, its largest city, and has transformed barren land into thriving communities.

The story explores the XPCC’s history, its contributions to agriculture and industry, and expertise in irrigation and cotton production. U.S. sanctions, imposed in 2020 over alleged human rights abuses, have significantly affected local businesses, restricting international trade and financial transactions, particularly with regions like Central Asia.

Through interviews with workers, engineers, and residents, the series reveals that those sanctions not only harm businesses but also negatively impact ethnic minority workers who rely on these industries for employment. It argues that the XPCC has played a crucial role in Xinjiang’s development, turning barren land into productive farmland and fostering ethnic integration. The narrative challenges U.S. claims of repression, depicting Shihezi as a diverse and thriving community where residents express resilience and optimism despite economic hardships.

A Beacon in the Desert

Liu Xin’s journey continues in Yiwu County, Hami, where she explores a state-of-the-art solar thermal power plant. With 14,500 mirrors capturing sunlight, the facility generates clean energy to power high-tech industries, including the newly established Yiwu Integrated Computing Center, where Artificial Intelligence and data processing thrive.

The series follows three young professionals contributing to the county’s transformation. Ren Wai, an environmental researcher from central China’s Henan Province, chose to come to Xinjiang after earning his master’s in Germany to dive into renewable energy. Zuo Yuxi, a social media specialist and ethnic Mongol from Hami, left Xinjiang twice for studies and work but was drawn back by a deep connection to home, now bridging the computing center with the public. Hamdul Abdul, a computer science expert and an ethnic Uygur, is leveraging advanced computing to bring practical solutions to everyday life. As more young professionals have found their place in Yiwu, both professionally and personally, the county plans to attract 30 to 50 pioneering enterprises, and hope as many as 6,000 young talents would follow suit.

Through their stories, the series captures Xinjiang’s rapid transformation into a hub for renewable energy and technology. By embracing new opportunities while staying connected to their roots, Xinjiang challenges outdated narratives.

Their stories will air on CGTN’s platforms on March 3 and March 7.